Staff
Charley Beresford | Executive Director
Charley Beresford is the Executive Director of the Columbia Institute and the Centre for Civic Governance. Prior to joining the Center for Civic Governance, Charley worked in both the public and private sectors. She served four years as a Director in the BC Ministry of Finance overseeing provincial appointments to agencies, boards and commissions.
Since 1996 Charley has been an elected Greater Victoria School Board Trustee, serving as the Chair for two terms. As a Trustee, Charley successfully campaigned to save provincially funded Inner City School Funds and led the development of a ground breaking anti-homphobia action plan and anti-discrimination policy.
Charley has been an active member of her community and has spearheaded the establishment of a number of non-profit organizations.
Amor Verdeflor | Office Administrator
Amor worked with a non-profit organization in the Philippines as Human Resources Officer and Office Administrator for eight years. In addition to her Bachelor's degree in industrial Psychology, she earned a Master's in Buisness Management from University of the Phillipines. She was also a volunteer counselor at a drop-in centre for abused women.
After immigrating to Canada in 2005, Amor completed an office administration program at Vancouver Community College to upgrade her office skills. She joined Columbia Institute in September 2008.
Sarah Albertson | Communications Officer
Rob Duffy | Research Analyst
Robert Duffy’s background includes research positions in the BC legislature and at the national office of the Canadian Federation of Students. Prior to joining the Columbia Institute, he did legislative and communications work in the Canadian Parliament. Robert holds a Masters in Communications from Simon Fraser University, and has been active with NGOs and social movements in Canada and the United Kingdom